Paragliding Safety Tips

The sport of paragliding is an exciting and relaxing activity that everyone can enjoy. Of course, due to the fact that it involves flying through the air hundreds or thousands of meters above the ground it means you must take steps to ensure your safety.

The following are some paragliding safety tips for everyone from beginners to experienced paragliding pilots.

Paragliding in Cape Town is actually an activity that is really easy to learn. However, one of the most dangerous aspects to it is the period just after someone starts to feel comfortable in the air.

When you are brand new to flying, chances are you will be extremely careful and even have a feeling of vulnerability. On the other hand, if you have gone through paragliding training to become a pilot, and have gone out to fly by yourself, it can be pretty easy to develop a false sense of security.

Just when you really begin to feel at ease, it is very easy to take safety less seriously and make mistakes.

Paragliding Preparation

Preparation is key. Mistakes happen, even to experienced pilots. However, maintaining a respect for flying coupled with a constant feeling of susceptibility and preparing yourself properly physically and mentally before paragliding is very important.

This includes compiling an accurate weather forecast ahead of your flight and knowing the area well.

All paragliding equipment should be inspected regularly and before each flight to ensure it is up to proper working standards. If you have any question about the integrity of any of your equipment, or the conditions in which you will be paragliding, do not take off.

Also, practice your techniques for both launching and landing. When landing, you should do so into the wind. It is important to practice your landing and concentrate your efforts on hitting the target, or as close as possible.

After all, practice makes perfect and you will be happy you have gone through all the details ahead of time once you reach the ground safely.

You should also have a plan for the end of your flight before you even begin. Properly planning a safe approach to the landing zone should be a priority at every step of your flight, and you should avoid landing out of the zone, which increases the likelihood of an accident.

Avoid Complacency When Paragliding

One of the biggest mistakes people make after they begin paragliding regularly is to fall into a pattern of complacency. The sport is both thrilling and relaxing, which is a unique combination responsible for many people enjoying it so much.

It is also pretty easy to reach a level of competency, which can lead to over confidence. In the anticipation of flying however, some people forget that they will be flying high through the air, which is by its very definition death defying.

There are certainly risks that must be planned for and respected at every level of the flying experience. By making the proper preparations and making use of our paragliding safety tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable flight.

Stephan is the owner of Fly Cape Town Paragliding. He is an avid tandem, competition and aerobatics paragliding pilot He loves to share the joy of paragliding flight with anyone who is keen...He is also a qualified paragliding instructor and a paragliding endurance athlete.